1ST ANNIVERSARY: How Prince Eka Williams Is Transforming Cross River State's Energy Landscape
Ebi COLLINS
On August 16, 2024, the Commissioner, Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, marked a remarkable one year in office, and within this period, he has left an indelible mark on Cross River State's energy sector demonstrates an unwavering commitment to revolutionising the state's power infrastructure.
Although the visionary Commissioner came into Office as Commissioner with average experience in the power sector, he has negotiated the learning curve with dexterity and impressive speed, the immediate past Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Cross River State hit the ground running with passion and vision to make Cross River State an Energy Hub of the region.
Prince Eka Williams kick-started his tenure by retrofitting solar street lights along carnival routes in Calabar, ensuring safety and security during the annual festival.
This innovative initiative showcased his dedication to harnessing not just renewable energy solutions but also supporting leading economic initiatives of the state government.
The Commissioner also embarked on comprehensive renovation of the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, creating a conducive environment for efficient service delivery as well as on an inspection tour of government power stations across the state, identifying areas for improvement.
He facilitated a survey for the hydro potential of Agbokim Waterfall by JoTi Group, unlocking possibilities for hydroelectric power generation. The commissioner has shown commitment to promoting renewable energy.
On rural electrification, the Commissioner engaged with the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja, exploring opportunities for improve on rural electrification and energy access.
Due to his pragmatic and visionary leadership Prince Eka Williams was appointed chairman, Forum of Commissioners of Power in Nigeria (FOCPEN). This forum he has led successfully, working closely with his colleagues.
As chairman of the forum he engaged with the Honorable Minister of Power in Nigeria to discuss issues of importance in the sector in the state and the nation.
Commissioner Williams participated in COP28 in Dubai and hosted the India High Commission, demonstrating his commitment to international cooperation and knowledge sharing.
Energy Cross River Summit 2024 was hosted by the Commissioner bringing together stakeholders to discuss the state's energy future.
To create a viable and efficient electricity market in Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams developed a draft Cross River State Electricity Bill 2024 which has been transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General for inputs and onward transmission to the Cross River State House of Assembly as an executive Bill.
As a follow up to this, Prince Williams inaugurated committees for the Cross River State Renewable Energy Action Plan and Cross River State Electricity Policy, paving the way for a comprehensive energy framework for the state.
When the work of the committee is done, the State will unveil the Renewable Energy Agenda 40:40 which will see the state achieve 40 percent Renewable Energy mix by the year 2040.
To improve power generation in Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams has signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the generation of 20 megawatts of power and CNG infrastructure in Cross River State.
For the improvement of energy infrastructure in the state, the Commissioner oversaw the installation of 80 lamps/solar street lights in Ugep, Yakurr local government; 200 solar street lamps in Ogoja, electromagnetic Induction Machines (Transformers) in Calabar Metropolis, Grid extension in Odukpani/Akamkpa and Akamkpa/Biase Electricity Network through Direct Labour and restoration/Installation of Power/Electricity at the Government House.
The Commissioner hosted delegates from the Federal Ministry of Finance as well as the new CEO/MD of PHED, and discussed Project 24/7.
He also laughed the Project Light Up Cross River which is conceived to ensure that the State is lit up using renewable energy.
In addition, Prince Eka Williams welcomed and hosted the Honorable Minister for Power, Chief Adelabu Adebayo in Calabar, and the Cross River State capital on a tour as he visits the National Integrated Power Project 562 Megawatts Gas fired Power plant in Odukpani local government area.
He also hosted Members of House of Representatives Committee on Power under the Chairmanship of Hon. Victor Nwokolo who were on an oversight visit to Power Project in the State and paid a courtesy call on the Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was represented by his deputy Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.
The Commissioner also attended the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) consumers’ engagement meeting which took place at Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar.
Because of Collaboration between Port Harcourt Electric Distribution Company PhED and The ministry of Power and Renewable Energy under the leadership of the Honorable Commissioner, Prince Eka Williams, the Calabar branch was rated as the best performing branch in Nigeria.
